Best Japanese Restaurants in Normal Heights

24 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3740)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 35 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, Nobu continues to dazzle patrons with its exceptional "New Style" Japanese cuisine. Known for its sushi, Nobu San Diego stands out for its quality, creativity, and the use of fresh ingredients. Reviewers rave about the sushi, describing it as "delicious" and noting the "impeccable service and ambiance." A standout dish frequently mentioned is the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, celebrated for its perfect balance and innovative flavor profile. As one review puts it, "Every single dish was undoubtedly immaculate," emphasizing the consistent excellence and culinary mastery that Nobu San Diego delivers, making it a must-visit destination for sushi lovers.

2. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(963)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 22 times today

At Cloak + Petal, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, sushi isn't just food; it's an art form. This stylish restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional sushi, creating a dining experience that's both authentic and innovative. The ambiance, reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, enhances each meal, making it unforgettable. Guests rave about the sushi's freshness and quality, with one diner exclaiming, "the sushi was great and the special rolls were mind blowing." The restaurant's commitment to quality and atmosphere has made it a must-visit spot in San Diego, ensuring that each visit is not only a meal but a memorable event.

3. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(28)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 5 times today

Botanica in North Park, San Diego, is celebrated for its exceptionally crafted cocktails and delightful Tapas / Small Plates, making it a must-visit spot for an elevated dining experience. Patrons rave about the "creative and delicious" small bites that perfectly complement their innovative drinks. A standout feature is their Omakase, which offers a sampler of chef's choice bites, ideal for sharing and tasting a variety of what the kitchen has to offer. The ambiance of Botanica, described as a "sexy artsy speakeasy," adds to the allure, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying high-quality, beautifully presented Tapas. With enthusiastic reviews about the "friendly and attentive" service and the unique, artistic decor, Botanica has secured its place as a top destination for Tapas lovers in San Diego.

A photo of Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant

4. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

4.4

Awesome(3658)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 35 times today

At Roy's San Diego Waterfront, the seafood isn't just a dish; it's a culinary adventure. Nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego at the Marriott Hotel and Marina, Roy's offers a breathtaking view of the marina that complements its exceptional seafood offerings. Renowned for blending classic techniques with adventurous Pacific Rim flavors, the restaurant has been a beacon of culinary innovation since its inception. Guests rave about dishes like the "Chilean sea bass," described as "outstanding," and the "lobster bisque" hailed as "the best anywhere." The freshness of the seafood is a testament to the care and passion that goes into each dish, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience that keeps diners returning for more. Whether it's the "perfectly cooked" scallops or the praised "Canoe Appetizer," each bite is a celebration of quality and flavor at Roy's.

5. El Sueño

4.0

Excellent(174)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 9 times today

El Sueño in Old Town, San Diego, offers an exceptional sushi experience that combines inventive flair with traditional techniques. Diners consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the sushi dishes, highlighting the restaurant as a standout in the area. Reviews praise the "sumptuous sushi rolls" and the vibrant ambiance, creating an inviting atmosphere for sushi enthusiasts. The fusion of sushi with Mexican culinary elements adds a unique twist, making each visit memorable. With glowing testimonials like "the food was awesome from the sushi rolls to the enchiladas," El Sueño is celebrated not only for its quality but also for its innovative approach to sushi. This makes it a must-visit destination for both sushi purists and adventurous diners alike.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

6. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.0

Excellent(7364)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 182 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

7. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(685)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 13 times today

At Lumi, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine is elevated by the innovative genius of celebrity chef Akira Back. This upscale rooftop gem dazzles with its "exceptional service and ambiance," perfectly complementing an "interesting sushi/Japanese/fusion menu" that leaves patrons raving about its uniqueness and quality. Guests consistently laud the "amazing food" from the "tuna pizza" to the "Seabass roll," each dish crafted to perfection. With its combination of a "super cool vibe" and expertly curated flavors, Lumi is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Japanese dining experience.

A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

8. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1733)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 17 times today

At Lionfish Restaurant, situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, seafood lovers revel in a culinary experience that is as delightful as it is authentic. This modern sushi and seafood haven, led by the talented local chef JoJo Ruiz, showcases a passion for fresh-catch cuisine that’s evident in every dish. Enthusiastic diners rave about the “best sushi and sashimi I have ever had! Melts in your mouth!” and commend the innovative, delicious dishes like the "Angry Fish," described as “the BEST fish I’ve ever had.” Lionfish not only excels in creating mouthwatering seafood but also provides an atmosphere and service that consistently exceed expectations. Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, Lionfish is a must-visit for exceptional seafood in San Diego.

9. Tako

4.2

Awesome(53)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 9 times today

Nestled in the most historic neighborhood in California, Old Town San Diego, there is plenty to see and do. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience with top notch cocktails, the freshest fish & ingredients available, and unmatched atmosphere....21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!

10. Craft Bar Kamon

4.8

Exceptional(188)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 28 times today

Craft Bar Kamon, nestled in the vibrant East Village of Downtown San Diego, is a captivating destination for anyone seeking an authentic Asian dining experience. This unique establishment, inspired by the Taisho Roman era in Japan, seamlessly blends traditional Asian flavors with modern craft cocktails, creating a truly unique gastronomic journey. Patrons rave about the "complex and subtle drink flavors" and the exceptional dishes like "tuna and scallops," which are said to be "amazing." The ambiance, described as a "classy mystery novel," adds to the allure, making Craft Bar Kamon not just a meal, but an immersive cultural experience. The high praise from visitors, such as "the cocktails were exquisite and unique, truly one of a kind," underscores the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Craft Bar Kamon is a must-visit for an unforgettable slice of Asia in the heart of San Diego.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Loren
San Diego •1 review
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
I was disappointed in that I indicated on my reservation note we were celebrating a birthday. I noticed at least one other patron received a nice birthday card from Roy's. I don't know the specifics on how their reservation was made, but we didn't get one. I thought the information we placed in notes for our open table reservation was read by the restaurant staff, this seems to indicate maybe they don't pay attention. A little disappointing if true
More info
Roy's San Diego WaterfrontPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.4
B
Ben
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We celebrated our anniversary at Nobu San Diego, and it was unforgettable! The Yellowtail Jalapeño was the highlight—delicate, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with ponzu and a hint of jalapeño. The chic ambiance and outstanding service made our evening truly special. Highly recommend for any special occasion!
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Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
S
Sylvia
San Diego •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It’s always a good time at Benihana! The chef was so accommodating with my special requests and made my birthday special. The food was over and above delicious. We will be back!
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Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
•
4
K
KanitaVIP
Orange County •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great service and amazing ambiance. They were so accommodating of allergies and the server, Kieran, was wonderful and knowledgeable of the menu. We loved it and can’t wait to return.
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Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
•
4.6
M
MIchael
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 11, 2024
Great spot for a craft cocktail. Tuesdays are Tini Tuesdays with a large selection of specials!
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BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• North Park
•
4.6

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

2. Cloak + Petal

3. Botanica

4. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

5. El Sueño

6. Benihana - San Diego, CA

7. Lumi

8. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

9. Tako

10. Craft Bar Kamon

See what locals rave about

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